StoryScape #2

Sharon Turner is and has been a volunteer at Allwood Neighbourhood House for a decade. She is a long-term resident of Hurstbridge, has worked for Kenworth trucks, the Victorian Education Department and even in the fashion industry, in embroidery! Sharon is also part of the Great Tree Project and coordinator of the yarnbombing during Wattle Festival. Allwood and Hursty would be lost without her!

Ruth Summer-Rain is a mother of 3 and now grandmother to 5 boys and is happily retired to pursue many passions and interests.

After 20 years of living in NSW near Mudgee, following a self sufficiency lifestyle off the grid and home schooling for 11years, Ruth returned to Melbourne. She tutored in meditation, basketry, mindmapping, holding ceremonial space and was a celebrant for weddings and funerals. She also studied and practiced as a Death Doula.

Ruth spent 16 years at Allwood house as a Community worker and Networker.

Jack and wife Pam Lawson moved to Hurstbridge in 1971 to a 5-acre block on Flatrock Rd. Renovating a home which still had and earthen kitchen floor and raising two kids while commuting to the city each day clearly wasn’t enough for this energetic couple.

Their respective handprints can be found throughout Allwood House and Gardens and indeed in the entire Hurstbridge Village. Whether it’s the Lock Up which was moved to Allwood and lovingly and expertly renovated or the complete history of Hurstbridge and district in Pam’s book, Kooka on the Wattle, the Lawson name will be forever synonymous with the ideals of community – love, passion and energy.

Pam sadly passed in July of 2024, however Jack, and daughter Carolyn, are a regular part of the Allwood family offering wise council and encouragement to the newer staff and volunteers at our neighbourhood house.

Annie Fletcher, self-proclaimed “Rhythm Nut” has been living in the Nillumbik area for 21 years and has been actively involved with Allwood Neighbourhood House since her arrival. Annie has transversed across the roles of dancer, drummer, teacher, clown, performer, musician, workshop facilitator and community collaborator. At any stage, one or many of these experiences can pop up and influence her current roles, in surprising ways.